Astrological aspects

Astrological aspects are the angles between the planets and other points in a horoscope in astrology. Each aspect is an angle. Things called orbs are allowed so planets do not have to be exactly aliged.

To the ancients, aspects were either good or bad. Modern usage is different from this, with less emphasis placed on simple divisions.

Major aspects are recognized by almost all astrologers[?].

The list of aspects below gives the exact value, the orb, and the fraction of the circle. The orbs are a middle ground ground among astrologers.

Conjunction: 0. 10 if sun or moon, otherwise 8. 0 This is the most powerful aspect. It intensifies the effects of the involved planets. If the planets are afflicted, then the conjunction will intensify this affliction.

Opposition: 180. 8. 1/2 Oppositions are the second most powerful aspect. They are looked on less negatively than in the past. It provides challenges in life, but also provides an integrating link, like a backbone.

Trine: 120. 8. 1/3 The trine is extremely beneficial. It provides ease even if you do not deserve it. Too many trines make a person weak and unable to cope with adversity. The ancients considered an abundance of trines as a sign of evil.

Square: 90. 8. 1/4 The square indicates strain, tension, and energy. It gives challenges to achievement. If you overcome these you can develop strength of character.

Sextile: 60. 6. 1/6 The sextile is similar in influence to the trine, but only provides opportunity. The native must expend effort to reap these benefits.

These minor and moderate aspects were introduced by Johannes Kepler.

Quincunx: 150. 3. 5/12 The quincunx is properly moderate but somewhate unpredictable. It brings strain. Do not underestimate it.

Semiqsuare: 45. 2. 1/8. This aspect is essentially a weaker version of the square.

Sesquiquadrate: 135. 2. 9/24 The is similar in influence to the semisquare.

Semisextile: 30. 2. 1/12 This is a weaker version of the sextile.

Quintile: 72. 2. 1/5 This is like a semisextile, but effort is not needed to reap its benefits.

The following two aspects are called parallels. They refer to degrees of declination above or below the ecliptic. Most astrologers do not use them because all of the planets except Mercury and Pluto are within 3 degrees of the ecliptic. They are strong.

Parallel: Same degree. 0.5 This is similar to a conjunction, but usually provides benefits.

Contraparallel. opposite Degree. 0.5 Similar to the opposition, but weaker.